Operation Outcry

Millions of American women have had abortions. Some are probably listening today. If you're one of them, I want to talk with you -- not to point an accusing finger, but to lend a hand. If you feel guilt and remorse over what you've done, there's a way to help clear your conscience. And at the same time, you can do something that could save other women from the same sorrow. Most women who have had abortions didn't realize that they were taking a human life. They listened to so-called "abortion counselors" who called themselves "pro-choice." But they soon learned that while there were choices, every choice ultimately led to "termination" of the pregnancy. Many abortions were not premeditated -- at least not by the women who had them. The Texas Justice Foundation has received thousands of affidavits from women who have had abortions. Attorney Kathleen Cassidy reports that in 85 to 90 percent of them, the woman states that she "was either coerced by a person or by her circumstances into having an abortion." The person was a boyfriend or a husband threatening to leave, or a parent telling her that if she keeps the baby, she'll be on her own. The coercive circumstance may simply be confusion and panic. And coercion is not choice. An estimated 30 to 40 million women have had abortions during the thirty years since the Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton decisions. When women, especially those who have been coerced, realize that they have ended a life, many become depressed, immersing themselves in alcohol, drugs, or promiscuity. Some even contemplate suicide. If that describes you or someone you know, the Texas Justice Foundation wants to hear your story for Operation Outcry. According to the mission statement, "Operation Outcry seeks to overturn . . . Roe v. Wade by mobilizing those who have been silent about the harmful effects of abortion. This can be accomplished only through prayer and with the testimonies of women who have suffered harm from abortion." On its site, you'll find an affidavit, a legal form on which women can write down their stories of the harm caused by abortion. Writing may well provide a catharsis for you -- releasing the guilt and shame that you have suppressed for years. And your affidavit will strengthen the Texas Justice Foundation's case as it attempts to convince the current Supreme Court that the 1973 Court made a terrible mistake. One day, I believe, the Court will recognize the new medical knowledge that we have from ultrasound and other techniques that demonstrates there is human life in the womb. And you can help hasten that day. According to Kathleen Cassidy, most of the women, "after they've . . . gone through this experience of . . . putting it on paper and writing out their story, . . . do feel relieved." And, of course, the real way to deal with that guilt is to seek Jesus Christ's forgiveness. If you have never done that, call us today at BreakPoint (1-800-995-8777) or visit our website (www.breakpoint.org) for more information or for counseling. Let's make the thirtieth anniversary of Roe v. Wade a time of healing and change. Take action: For those who have not had an abortion: See the Operation Outcry overview, and submit a Friend of the Court Form Affidavit. For those who have had an abortion: You can submit either a Question Form Affidavit or a Story Form Affidavit. For further reading and information: For information on post-abortion research and healing, visit the Elliot Institute. Rachel's Vineyard holds weekend retreats for post-abortion healing. Ramah International also ministers to and provides resources for post-abortive women. Affidavit of Norma McCorvey (of Roe v. Wade), Texas Justice Foundation, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. Affidavit of Sandra Cano-Saucedo (of Doe v. Bolton), Texas Justice Foundation, in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey. "Roe v. Wade, Doe v. Bolton Back to Courts," Texas Justice Foundation press release, 15 March 2000. "Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton," Pro-Life Action League. Roy Maynard, "First Roe, now Doe: The legal façade crumbles," World, 29 March 1997 (free registration required). BreakPoint Commentary No. 021015, "Whose Choice Is 'Pro-Choice'?: Abortion and the Violated Conscience." Bob Jones, "30 Years' War," World, 18 January 2003. Michele Jackson, "A Black Woman's Voice: Abortion Hurts our Community," RoevWade.org. Steven Ertelt, "Actress Tells Senate 'I Paid for My Abortion My Whole Life,'" Pro-Life Infonet, 24 September 2002. "Women Deserve Better Campaign Launches Advertising Effort," Women Deserve Better press release, 30 December 2002. Gail Quinn, "On the Backs of Women," Women Deserve Better, 2 October 2002. "President's Phone Call to March for Life Participants," White House Office of the Press Secretary, 22 January 2002. THIS YEAR'S MARCH FOR LIFE IN WASHINGTON, D.C., WILL TAKE PLACE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 2003.

01/16/03